By Barnes Mawrie
With the coming to power of the BJP Government, a lot of controversies have arisen in the country, from demonetization, to saffronization of education and down to the very concept of nationalism. What is the real definition of nationalism? The term nationalism was first used in 1844. It gained importance in the 19th century. But after 1914 this term has gathered a negative connotation around itself. According to Glenda Sluga the 20th century saw a great disillusionment with nationalism and a movement towards internationalism emerged. Most historians of nationalism agreed that it first began with the French Revolution in 1789. The French Revolution in turn had its influence on Germany and Italy. British nationalism began in the mid 18th century and it was promoted by the Government and by intellectuals of the time. Thus national symbols, anthems, flags, myths and narratives were constructed by nationalists and accepted by the public. The Union Jack was adopted as the national flag in 1801, Thomas Arne’s anthem “Rule Britannia” became a patriotic song in 1740 and the famous cartoonist John Arbuthnot created the character of John Bull as a personification of the English national spirit in 1712.
German nationalism reached its heath in the early 20th century with the emergence of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party whose philosophy of German superiority over other races, led to a terrible human holocaust. Simultaneously, in Italy nationalism was spearheaded by Bennito Mussolini whose alliance with Hitler led to his political downfall. In China nationalism began with the Cultural Revolution led by Mao Tse-tung in the mid 20th century. Even today, China is a growing nationalist country where uniformity of ideology is still being imposed.
In India, nationalism has emerged many times in its long history. There were many great kings and leaders like Shivaji, Rani Laxmibai, Tipu Sultan and others who had displayed an admirable nationalist spirit whenever the situation arose. But modern nationalism in India started with the Quit India Movement led by the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji’s concept of nationalism is perhaps the most ideal one because it is based on his strict adherence to democracy, to ethnic and religious equality and brotherhood and to an active rejection of a caste-based discrimination and untouchability. These noble ideas of his version of nationalism captured the minds and hearts of Indians across the sub continent and they followed him en masse. Gandhiji’s political philosophy of Satyagraha and non-violence distinguished him from other nationalist leaders all over the world.
While in most countries nationalism was accompanied by a violent revolution and mass murder, in India, nationalism under Gandhiji was a peaceful movement in general. This is a great lesson to humanity as such. Therefore, while nationalism has often proven to be a negative experience, in India it has been a positive one.
Coming now to our present situation, we see how the BJP is bringing in a rightist concept of nationalism. The way they define and enforce nationalism today is a matter of concern for all citizens. While Gandhiji advocated an “inclusive nationalism”, the BJP today is championing an “exclusive nationalism.” Their philosophy of Hindutva is synonymous to exclusive nationalism. Their attempt at saffronization of every aspect of national life manifests their political rigidity. The BJP seems to be manipulating and monopolizing the term nationalism. Whatever they dictate or do is considered patriotic or of “national interest” even when intelligent citizens see them clearly as destructive. What is worse is the fact that they accuse others of being “anti-national” or “unpatriotic” whenever a critical remark is made of their policies. The hardcore concept of Hindutva, that India is for Hindus and that no other religion should exist in India, is a dangerous political propaganda.
I do appreciate PM Modi’s nationalist ideology like “make in India” because that will give a boost to Indian genius and industrial production. However, other BJP-tailored nationalist ideologies are unacceptable because they will tear down the very fabric of our national integrity. India is a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, therefore such an exclusive or rightist nationalism will never sustain. What we need is an inclusive nationalism advocated by Gandhiji because it is based on fundamental human rights. I hope and pray that the BJP Government will realize that what they are doing now is definitely playing with fire. They should stop defining nationalism along religious ideas and sentiments or to suit their political agenda.
Nationalism should not be turned into a Frankenstein but instead it should be a pragmatic ideology that could unify citizens on national interests without interfering with their cultures and religious beliefs. India’s nationalism is best expressed in the slogan “unity in diversity.”